About Purposeful Paws
Here at Purposeful Paws, we abide by the force free philosophy! LIMA which stands for "Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive" is the standard I train with. This means no shock, no choke, and no prong. We can achieve the results of a well mannered pet without interfering with the integrity of the animal to human bond.
When you train with Purposeful Paws you are choosing a trustworthy and dedicated professional who is committed to helping you achieve the results you are looking for. Reward based training is proven to be the most effective method, and rewards can be found in many forms (not just treats for the dog who might not be food motivated!) Together we can find out what makes your dog feel fulfilled and excited to learn. Enriching the lives of our clients safely is our priority. Structure, management, communication, routine, and empathy all play important roles in the training process. We aspire to see everyone not only succeed, but also thrive with our training methods. You will soon see that training your dog can be a surprisingly fun and exciting process!
Hi! My name is Gracie Putnam, and I am the owner and trainer here at Purposeful Paws.
I am passionate about pet training! My passion comes from my love of animals and a deep understanding of animal behavior. From a very young age it was clear to me and anyone who knew me that I would grow up to work with animals. I nurtured my desire for knowledge about animal training, and my career as a pet trainer became a tangible and achievable goal.
I started the process of becoming a professional dog trainer by taking The Victoria Stillwell Academy Fundamentals of Dog Training and Behavior Course. From there I began attending her annual Dog Training Behavior Conferences, where I was connected with other pet professionals. I attend conferences annually to stay up to date on all the latest training science and information.
For my hands on experience I began working in the pet care industry. I have worked for several dog daycare and boarding facilities gathering training experience during that time. I often volunteered my training services while I was learning everything I needed to know. I still volunteer regularly as a trainer for local rescues. I have acquired certifications that come along with experience.
I have dedicated my life to being the best trainer I can possibly be. I strive to help people connect and communicate with their pets to achieve results even greater than they could have imagined. I am inspired by my clients success stories. Facilitating successful training breakthroughs and "Ah-Hah" moments is why I do what I do.
What does the American Veterinarian Society of Animal Behavior say?
"Based on current scientific evidence, AVSAB recommends that only reward-based training methods are used for all dog training, including the treatment of behavior problems."
~ AVSB Position Statement on Human Dog Training
avsab.org
~ Client name with dog's name
CORE VALUES
PAWsitive
Our pets are our valued family members and they deserve to be treated as such. I am an advocate for force and fear free training methods that not only get the best results, but build a trusting relationship in the process.
Professional
Trusting your pets training and subsequent well being with me is a decision I do not take lightly. It is my pledge to be professional, respectful, and reliable with my clients.
Connected
Connection starts with healthy communication. As a trainer, my goal is to teach you and your pet to communicate in a way that allows for a deeper bond to grow. Connection also means having a support system to help you with your pet goals, and I am happy to be a part of yours.
